Removing a Tick From Your Pet

Tick populations have been exploding here in Canada. We don’t mean that they are literally exploding, as in blowing up. That would be a relief.Instead, the numbers of ticks moving to this area are growing rapidly. Rising right alongside with them are cases of Lyme disease, which can affect both people and pets. While keeping up with your pet’s parasite control regime is crucial, checking your furry pal daily is also a must. If you find a little hitchhiker, you’ll need to carefully remove it. A local vet tells you how below.

Be Prepared

Tweezers will remove ticks. However, it’s worth your while to get a tick removal tool. These are a bit easier to use. Plus, they don’t cost much. If you’re lucky enough to never need it, you won’t regret the small investment.

Prepare Tick Grave

The tick could still be alive after you remove it. You don’t want to put it in the trash or flush it down the toilet. It’s best to get a small jar and fill it with rubbing alcohol. (Using a blowtorch or flamethrower may be tempting, but it’s really not necessary.)

Don Protective Gear

You don’t need to go overboard and put on a hazmat suit or full body armor. However, we do recommend wearing latex gloves and protective eyewear. This will provide a barrier against the dangerous germs and diseases ticks carry.

Enlist Accomplices

Your pet may nap without moving for hours. Of course, the moment they realize you’re doing something in their fur, they’ll be wide awake and perhaps a bit nervous. Enlist a helper to hold your four-legged buddy. It may help to bribe/distract Fluffy or Fido with treats, to keep them occupied and still.

Going In

Put some rubbing alcohol on the area. Then, get your tickbusting tool of choice and go after the little beast. Get as close to your pet’s skin as you can, and pull up, using firm, steady motions. Don’t jerk or twist it. This can leave parts of the tiny beast stuck in your pet’s skin, which can cause infections. Put the tick in your jar, take a picture of it (just in case), dispose of it, and go clean up. Don’t forget to give your furry patient a special treat!

Do you need parasite control for your pet? Contact us, your local animal clinic in Springdale, ON!